Adesso WKB-3200 Wireless Multimedia Keyboard: Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review Adesso's new WKB-3200 wireless multimedia keyboard…and good timing I might add, as the one I was using was so old most of the letters had worn off!

The WKB-3200 wireless keyboard features an 800 DPI Optical Trackball, Scroll Wheels, Windows Key, Multimedia Control Keys, Internet Hot Keys and (MCE) Media Center Edition controls all are built in. The MCE controls let you easily (and quickly!) operate most of the multimedia software...perfect for Windows Vista users.

Connecting it to my computer was a breeze too. No annoying drivers to install. I simply took it out of the box, put the batteries in, plugged in the USB receiver and I was good to go. A pleasant surprise.

I have to admit, it did take me a little while to get acclimated to the Optical Trackball. But after a few days of use, going to my keyboard for mouse controls became second nature. This is especially handy if you are someone that likes to surf the Internet on your TV from the couch. Everything you need is right there on the keyboard…no separate mouse needed.

Another thing I must comment on. I read some reviews of the WKB-3200 prior to receiving mine, and some people stated that the wireless receiver in this keyboard seemed a bit slow, but I have had no problem at all. Granted, I don't type 120wpm, but I'm not a slow typer either. It performed exactly as I expected.

Here's more information on the Hot Keys/Mouse functions:

(MCE) Media Center Edition Hot Keys

• My TV
• My Video
• My Picture
• My Music
• Live TV

Multimedia Hot Keys

• Channel Up/Down
• Volume Up/Down
• Mute
• Previous Track
• Next Track
• Play/Pause/Stop/Forward/Rewind/Record

Internet Hot Keys

• Internet Explorer
• Close
• Mail

Mouse Functions

• Left Click
• Right Click
• Scroll Wheel
• Laser Optical Trackball

This wireless keyboard is compatible with Windows Vista and XP, and is available now with an MSRP of $74.99.